JP3888158B2

JP3888158B2 - Hot water storage water heater and hot water storage water heater for hot water storage water heater

Info

Publication number: JP3888158B2
Application number: JP2001394687A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 秀峰村端; 和也上村
Original assignee: Denso Corp
Current assignee: Denso Corp
Priority date: 2001-12-26
Filing date: 2001-12-26
Publication date: 2007-02-28
Anticipated expiration: 2021-12-26
Also published as: JP2003194397A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、給湯水を蓄える貯湯槽内の熱源を用いて浴槽内の浴水を保温する貯湯式給湯器および貯湯式給湯器の浴水保温装置に関するものであって、特に保温運転時に高温の浴水が浴槽内に流出することを抑制させる浴水保温手段の制御に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、この種の貯湯式給湯器の浴水保温装置として、例えば図７に示すように、電気温水器などの給湯手段１００により加熱された給湯水を蓄える貯湯槽１１０と、この貯湯槽１１０内に配設され高温の給湯水と浴槽１２０内の浴水を熱交換する熱交換器１３０と、浴水を浴槽１２０内から汲み上げて循環させる循環ポンプ１４０を有し浴槽１２０内の浴水を熱交換器１３０に循環させて浴槽１２０内に戻す循環水回路１５０などから構成されている。
【０００３】
また、浴槽１２０内の浴水の水温を検出する水温検出手段（図示せず）が設けられ、浴槽１２０内の浴水の水温が低下したときに、循環ポンプ１４０を作動させて浴槽１２０内の浴水を熱交換器１３０に流通させて浴水を保温するようになっている。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところが、上記構成の貯湯式給湯器の浴水保温装置によれば、循環ポンプ１４０が停止しているときには、熱交換器１３０内に滞留している浴水が、貯湯槽１００内に蓄えられた給湯水と同程度の高温（例えば、８０から９０℃）の浴水となっている。
【０００５】
そして、保温運転のときに循環ポンプ１４０を作動させると、運転開始直後の暫くの間に、少量であるが上述した熱交換器１３０内に滞留していた高温の浴水が浴槽１２０内に流出されるときがある。もしこのときに入浴者が入浴していると、高温の浴水の流出によって一時的に熱過ぎるなどの不快を招く問題がある。
【０００６】
そこで、本発明の目的は、上記点に鑑みてなされたもので、保温運転開始時に所定時間の間には浴槽内に流出する浴水の温度または流速を緩和する保温制御手段を設けることで、不快を招くことのない貯湯式給湯器および貯湯式給湯器の浴水保温装置を提供することにある。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するため、請求項１ないし請求項９に記載の技術的手段を採用する。すなわち、請求項１に記載の発明では、給湯水を蓄える貯湯槽（１１）と、この貯湯槽（１１）内に配設される熱交換器（１３）と、この熱交換器（１３）に浴槽（１）内の浴水を循環させる浴水保温手段（１２）と、この浴水保温手段（１２）に接続され、熱交換器（１３）を迂回する迂回手段と、浴槽（１）内の浴水を熱交換器（１３）に流通させる流量と、浴槽（１）内の浴水を迂回手段に流通させる流量とを可変する切換手段（１６）と、浴水保温手段（１２）のうち、熱交換器（１３）の下流側部位と迂回手段との接続部位よりも下流側を通過する浴水の温度を検出する水温検出手段（１９）と、この水温検出手段（１９）により検出された温度に応じて切換手段（１６）を制御する保温制御手段（４０）とを有し、
保温制御手段（４０）は、浴水を保温する保温運転開始のときに、熱交換器（１３）を流通させた浴水に浴槽（１）内の浴水を混合させることを特徴としている。
【０００８】
請求項１に記載の発明によれば、熱交換器（１３）内の浴水は保温運転が停止しているとき、つまり浴水が熱交換器（１３）内に停滞しているときに貯湯槽（１１）内の給湯水と同程度の水温に加熱され、保温運転のときに、浴槽（１）内に開始直後の暫くの間、例えば８０〜９０℃の高温の浴水として少量流出されるものである。
【０００９】
そこで、本発明では、保温運転開始のときに、熱交換器（１３）を流通させた浴水に浴槽（１）内の浴水を混合させるように切換手段（１６）を制御する保温制御手段（４０）とを有することにより、例えば、約４０℃前後の浴槽（１）内の浴水を混合させることで、浴槽（１）内に流出される浴水の水温を緩和させるとともに浴水を保温できる。これにより、一時的に熱過ぎるなどの不快を招くことはない。
【００１０】
請求項２に記載の発明では、保温制御手段（４０）は、浴水を保温する保温運転開始のときに、熱交換器（１３）側に流通する流量が熱交換器（１３）を迂回する側の流量よりも小さくなる所定流量以下となるように切換手段（１６）を制御することを特徴としている。
【００１１】
請求項２に記載の発明によれば、熱交換器（１３）を迂回する側の浴水が熱交換器（１３）内に滞留された浴水と混合されるので、熱交換器（１３）を迂回する側の流量を多量にすることで、浴槽（１）内に流出される浴水の水温を緩和させることができる。
【００１２】
請求項３に記載の発明では、保温制御手段（４０）は、水温検出手段（１９）により検出された水温が所定温度を超えないように切換手段（１６）を制御することを特徴としている。
【００１３】
請求項３に記載の発明によれば、浴槽（１）内に流出される浴水の水温を水温検出手段（１９）により検出し、その水温に応じて例えば切換手段（１６）の開度をフィードバックする制御をすることで、所定温度を維持することができる。これにより、所定温度を超えない浴水を流出できる。
【００１４】
請求項４に記載の発明では、保温制御手段（４０）は、所定温度として６０℃を超えないように切換手段（１６）を制御することを特徴としている。
【００１５】
請求項４に記載の発明によれば、また、所定温度として６０℃を超えないように制御することにより、例えば浴槽（１）内の浴水の水温が約４０℃のときであれば、この６０℃を超えなければ一時的に熱過ぎるなどの不快を招くことはない。
【００１６】
請求項５に記載の発明では、給湯水を蓄える貯湯槽（１１）と、この貯湯槽（１１）内に配設される熱交換器（１３）と、この熱交換器（１３）に浴槽（１）内の浴水を循環させる浴水保温手段（１２）と、この浴水保温手段（１２）に接続され、熱交換器（１３）を迂回する迂回手段と、浴槽（１）内の浴水が熱交換器（１３）を流通するか、浴槽（１）内の浴水が迂回手段を流通するかを切り換える切換手段（１６）と、浴水保温手段（１２）のうち、熱交換器（１３）の下流側部位と迂回手段との接続部位よりも下流側を通過する浴水の温度を検出する水温検出手段（１９）と、この水温検出手段（１９）により検出された温度に応じて切換手段（１６）を制御する保温制御手段（４０）とを有し、
保温制御手段（４０）は、浴水を保温する保温運転開始のときに、浴水が熱交換器（１３）を流通するように切換手段（１６）を切り換えるとともに、熱交換器（１３）を流通する循環量が所定値以下となるように制御することを特徴としている。
【００１７】
請求項５に記載の発明によれば、例えば浴槽（１）内に流出される浴水が高温であっても、浴槽（１）内の吐出口から流出される流速が十分に低ければ流出口近傍で水温が緩和され一時的に熱過ぎになるほどの水温にならない。そこで、本発明は、上記流速を低下させることに着目したもので、切換手段（１６）を熱交換器（１３）側に流通させる循環量を所定値以下となるように制御するにより、浴槽（１）内に流出される浴水の水温を緩和させることができ、かつ一時的に熱過ぎるなどの不快を招くことはない。
【００１８】
請求項６に記載の発明では、保温制御手段（４０）は、熱交換器（１３）側に流通させる循環量を所定値として８Ｌ／ｍｉｎを超えないように切換手段（１６）を制御することを特徴としている。
【００１９】
請求項６に記載の発明によれば、具体的には、循環量の所定値として８Ｌ／ｍｉｎを超えないように制御することにより、浴槽（１）内に流出される浴水の水温を緩和させることができる。
【００２０】
請求項７に記載の発明では、浴水保温手段（１２）には、浴槽（１）内の浴水を循環させる循環ポンプ（１４）が設けられ、保温制御手段（４０）は、熱交換器（１３）側に流通させる循環量を所定値として８Ｌ／ｍｉｎを超えないように循環ポンプ（１４）を制御することを特徴としている。
【００２１】
請求項７に記載の発明によれば、例えば、循環ポンプ（１４）に印加する電圧を可変させるなどの制御をすることにより、循環量を低下できる。これにより、請求項５と同じ効果を奏する。
【００２２】
請求項８に記載の発明では、給湯水を蓄える貯湯槽（１１）内に熱交換器（１３）を配設させ、熱交換器（１３）に浴槽（１）内の浴水を循環させて浴水を保温する浴水保温手段（１２）を備える貯湯式給湯器の浴水保温装置において、
浴水保温手段（１２）は、浴槽（１）内の浴水を熱交換器（１３）を流通させるか、熱交換器（１３）を迂回させるかの流通方向の切り換えをする切換手段（１６）と、熱交換器（１３）の上流側に配設され熱交換器（１３）内の圧力が低下したときに大気と開放する開閉手段（２５）と、浴水を保温する保温運転が終了したときに、切換手段（１６）を熱交換器（１３）を迂回する側に流通方向を切り換えるとともに、開閉手段（２５）を開放するように制御する保温制御手段（４０）とを具備することを特徴としている。
【００２３】
請求項８に記載の発明によれば、熱交換器（１３）内の浴水は循環ポンプ（１４）が停止しているとき、つまり浴水が停滞しているときに貯湯槽（１１）内の給湯水と同程度の水温に加熱される。この高温の浴水が保温運転のときに浴槽（１）内に流出される。そこで、本発明では、保温運転が終了したときに、切換手段（１６）を熱交換器（１３）を迂回する側に流通方向を切り換えるとともに、開閉手段（２５）を開放するように制御する保温制御手段（４０）とを有することにより、熱交換器（１３）内の浴水を浴槽（１）内に流出させて、熱交換器（１３）内を空にしておくため、保温運転開始のときに高温の浴水が流出されることがない。
請求項９に記載の発明では、貯湯槽（１１）から出湯する給湯通路（２０）を有することを特徴としている。この発明によれば、貯湯槽（１１）内に配設される熱交換器（１３）内の浴水は保温運転停止しているときに、高温の給湯水と同程度に加熱されているため、給湯通路（２０）から給湯用として出湯する給湯水を熱源とする浴水保温装置において好適である。
【００２４】
なお、上記各手段に付した括弧内の符号は、後述する実施形態記載の具体的手段との対応関係を示す。
【００２５】
【発明の実施の形態】
（第１実施形態）
以下、本発明を適用した第１実施形態の貯湯式給湯器の浴水保温装置を図１および図２に基づいて説明する。図１は、貯湯式給湯器の浴水保温装置１０の概略構成を示す模式図である。
【００２６】
貯湯式給湯器の浴水保温装置１０は、図１に示すように、図示しないヒートポンプ装置もしくは電気ヒータ等の給湯手段３０により加熱された給湯水を貯湯槽１１内に蓄えて、この蓄えられた高温の給湯水を例えば水道水と混合させて適温にして給湯対象に給湯するものであって、特に適温にさせた給湯水を浴槽１内へのお湯張り、差し湯、たし湯、差し水などに供したり、貯湯槽１１内の給湯水の熱量を用いてお湯張りされた浴槽１内の浴水を保温する浴水保温手段である循環水回路１２を備えている。
【００２７】
貯湯式給湯器の浴水保温装置１０は、浴室近傍の屋外適所に配置され、１は浴槽であり浴室内に設置されている。浴槽１の内壁面下端部近傍には浴槽１内の浴水を吸い込む吸入口２と、浴槽１内に湯を吐出する吐出口３が設けられている。１２は循環水回路であり、その両端は、吸入口２と吐出口３とに接続しており、浴槽１内の浴水を浴槽１外の外部に循環できるように設けられている。
【００２８】
この循環水回路１２には、貯湯槽１１内に配設される熱交換器１３を有している。この熱交換器１３は、貯湯槽１１内の給湯水を熱源として浴槽１内の浴水を流通させて浴水を加温するものである。
【００２９】
そして、循環水回路１２に設けられた循環ポンプ１４を作動させることで、浴槽１内の浴水を熱交換器１３に流通させて加温された浴水が吐出口３から浴槽１内に戻される。なお、この循環ポンプ１４は、ハウジング内のインペラを回転させることにより浴水を圧送するタイプの電動ポンプを用いている。
【００３０】
また、吸入口２の下流に、循環水回路１２を流通する浴水の水温を検出するための第１水温センサ１５が設けられている。
【００３１】
また、循環水回路１２には、浴槽１内の浴水を熱交換器１３側に流通させる流量と熱交換器１３を迂回させる側に流通させる流量とを可変させて切り換えをする切換手段である切換調整弁１６が熱交換器１３の上流側に設けられている。
【００３２】
この切換調整弁１６は、三方弁ならなるものであって、流入側が循環ポンプ１４の下流側に接続させて循環ポンプ１４により浴槽１内の浴水が流入される。そして、流出側の一方が熱交換器１３の上流に接続され、流出側のもう一方が熱交換器１３を迂回する熱交換器１３の下流の分岐点１７に接続されている。
【００３３】
ここで、本実施形態の切換調整弁１６は、流入側から流入された浴水を熱交換器１３側に流通させる流量と、熱交換器１３を迂回させる側に流通させる流量とを可変するように流量制御される。ここでは、因みに熱交換器１３側に流通させる流量が１００％（このときには、熱交換器１３を迂回させる流量が０％となる。）、逆に熱交換器１３を迂回させる流量が１００％（このときには、熱交換器１３側に流通させる流量が０％となる。）および熱交換器１３側に流通させる流量が５０％（このときには、熱交換器１３を迂回させる流量が５０％となる。）のいずれかを選択するようにしている。
【００３４】
なお、この流量制御において、熱交換器１３に全流量を流通させるときが浴水を加温させるのが最大であり、熱交換器１３側および熱交換器１３を迂回させる側が半々のときには熱交換器１３で加温された浴水に浴槽１内の浴水と混合させて高温の浴水の水温を緩和させる。従って、熱交換器１３側に流通させる流量を、熱交換器１３を迂回する流量よりも少なくすることで、熱交換器１３から流出される浴水の水温をより緩和させることができる。
【００３５】
また、熱交換器１３を迂回させる側が全流量のときは、浴槽１内の浴水を循環させることで浴槽１内の浴水を攪拌させて浴水の水温を検出するときに制御される。
【００３６】
切換調整弁１６および循環ポンプ１４は、保温制御手段である浴水保温制御プログラムを有する制御装置４０（後述する）に電気的に接続されて制御される。また、この制御装置４０には、第１水温センサ１５により検出された検出信号および自動保温をさせるための運転スイッチ（図示せず）の操作信号が入力され、この検出信号、操作信号に基づいて切換調整弁１６、循環ポンプ１４を制御させて保温運転を実行する。
【００３７】
また、循環水回路１２の切換調整弁１６と循環ポンプ１４との間に形成される分岐点１８には、上流端が貯湯槽１１に接続された給湯通路２０と接続されて、浴槽１内へのお湯張り、差し湯、たし湯および差し水するための給湯水が分岐点１８から供給されるように構成されている。
【００３８】
そして、給湯通路２０内には、湯水混合手段である湯水混合弁２１および給湯通路２０を開閉する開閉弁２２が設けられている。湯水混合弁２１は、一方が水道水が供給される給水配管２３に接続され、もう一方が貯湯槽１１内の高温の給湯水側に接続されて、水道水の水温と給湯水の水温の温度情報に基づいて開口面積比を調節することにより、貯湯槽１１から流出された高温の給湯水と給水配管２３から導入された水道水との混合比率を調節して給湯通路２０に温度調節された給湯水を流通させるようになっている。
【００３９】
湯水混合弁２１および開閉弁２２は制御装置４０により制御される。なお、開閉弁２２は、図示しない操作スイッチの操作信号により、例えばお湯張り、差し湯、たし湯および差し水のときに、制御装置４０により開口が制御されて浴槽１内に給湯水が導入される。また、このときは切換調整弁１６は、熱交換器１３を迂回する流通方向に切り換えられ上記給湯水が吐出口３から浴槽１内に導入される。
【００４０】
ここでは、貯湯槽１１は、給湯手段３０より供給された高温の給湯水を内部に蓄えたものであったが、給水配管２３から水道水等を導入し貯湯槽１１内で電気ヒータ等により加熱して高温の給湯水として蓄えるものであってもよい。
【００４１】
また、ここでは、切換調整弁１６の流量制御を熱交換器１３に流通させる流量が１００％、５０％および０％の中から選択するようにしたが、特に５０％の実数値は例示であって貯湯槽１１内に蓄えられる高温の給湯水の温度によって適宜設定する。
【００４２】
次に、以上の構成による浴水保温手段の作動を保温制御手段である保温制御プログラムを有する制御装置４０による制御処理を図２に示すフローチャートに基づいて説明する。
【００４３】
まず、浴槽１内の浴水を保温制御するためには、図示しない自動お湯張りスイッチを操作させて上述した湯水混合弁２１および開閉弁２２を制御して、給湯通路２０から設定温度に温度調節された給湯水が浴槽１内に導入され、かつ所定の水位レベル以上の浴水が浴槽１内にお湯張りされている状態であって、このときに、自動保温運転をさせる運転スイッチ（図示せず）がＯＮされていると、自動保温運転の操作信号が制御装置４０に入力されている。
【００４４】
これにより、ステップ２００にて自動保温運転が開始される。ステップ２１０で、第１所定時間ｔ１（例えば、１０分）を計測するタイマｔ１をスタートさせる。そして、ステップ２２０で、タイマーｔ１が第１所定時間ｔ１だけタイムアップしたかを判定し、タイムアップしたと判定すれば、ステップ２３０で、切換調整弁１６を熱交換器１３を迂回させる側に全流量が流通する流通方向に切り換えられる。なお、ステップ２２０で否と判定されれば、タイムアップするまで計時が継続される。この第１所定時間ｔ１は、保温運転が実行しているときに浴水の水温を検出するための間隔時間である。
【００４５】
そして、ステップ２４０で循環ポンプ１４を作動させる。これにより、浴槽１内の浴水が熱交換器１３を迂回する流通通路で流通されて浴槽１内の浴水が攪拌される。
【００４６】
次に、ステップ２５０で、第２所定時間ｔ２（例えば、２分）を計測するタイマｔ２をスタートさせる。そして、ステップ２６０で、タイマーｔ２が第２所定時間ｔ２だけタイムアップしたかを判定し、タイムアップしたと判定すれば、ステップ２７０で、第１水温センサ１５により検出された水温（ここでは、水温Ｔ１＋１℃）が設定温度よりも未達か否かを判定する。
【００４７】
設定温度に達しておれば保温運転を継続させる必要ないためステップ３３０に移行して循環ポンプ１４を停止させる。逆に、水温が設定温度に対して未達であれば、次のステップ２８０において、切換調整弁１６を熱交換器１３側に流通させる流量が５０％（このときには、熱交換器１３を迂回させる流量が５０％となる。）となる流通に切り換える。
【００４８】
これにより、熱交換器１３内に滞留している浴水の水温は貯湯槽１１内の給湯水（８０〜９０℃）とほぼ同程度の高温の浴水になっているが、この高温の浴水に約４０℃程度の浴槽１内の浴水を混合させることで、吐出口３から流出される浴水は６０℃以下に低下される。
【００４９】
また、上述の高温の浴水は貯湯槽１１内に配設させた熱交換器１３内に収容された量のみであるため短時間で浴槽１内に送り出されてしまう。そこで、本発明では、この送り出しの時間を第３所定時間ｔ３（例えば、１分）と設定して、次のステップ２９０で、第３所定時間ｔ３（例えば、１分）を計測するタイマｔ３をスタートさせる。
【００５０】
なお、ここでは、熱交換器１３内に収容された高温の浴水を浴槽１内に送り出すために、第３所定時間ｔ３を設け、この第３所定時間ｔ３の間、ステップ２８０の作動を継続させたが、これに限らず、熱交換器１３の出口側に浴水温度を検知する温度センサを設け、熱交換器１３の出口水温が所定温度に達するまでステップ２８０の作動を継続させても良い。
【００５１】
そして、ステップ３００で、タイマーｔ３が第３所定時間ｔ３だけタイムアップしたかを判定し、タイムアップしたと判定すれば、ステップ３１０で、切換調整弁１６を熱交換器１３側に全流量を流通させるように切り換える。
【００５２】
これにより、浴槽１内の浴水が熱交換器１３に流通されて加温される。そして、次のステップ３２０において水温Ｔ１が設定温度を超えたか否かを判定させて、設定温度を超えれば、循環ポンプ１４を停止させる（ステップ３３０）。
【００５３】
以上の第１実施形態の貯湯式給湯器の浴水保温装置によれば、熱交換器１３内の浴水は保温運転が停止しているとき、つまり浴水が熱交換器１３内に停滞しているときには、貯湯槽１１内の給湯水と同程度の水温に加熱されて保温運転のときに、浴槽１内に保温運転開始直後の暫くの間、例えば８０〜９０℃の高温の浴水として少量流出されるものである。
【００５４】
そこで、本発明では、第３所定時間ｔ３の間、熱交換器１３を流通させた浴水に浴槽１内の浴水を混合させるように切換調整弁１６を制御する制御装置４０とを有することにより、例えば、約４０℃前後の浴槽１内の浴水を熱交換器１３内の高温の浴水に混合させることで、浴槽１内に流出される浴水の水温を緩和させることができる。これにより、吐出口から流出する浴水による一時的に熱過ぎるなどの不快を招くことはない。
【００５５】
また、熱交換器１３を迂回する側の浴水が熱交換器１３内に滞留された浴水と混合されるので、熱交換器１３を迂回する側の流量を多量にすることで、浴槽１内に流出される浴水の水温を緩和させることができる。
【００５６】
また、熱交換器１３に流通させる所定流量を５０％超えないように、例えば切換調整弁１６の開度を制御することにより、熱交換器１３を迂回する側の流量が５０％を超える流量にすることで、浴槽１内に流出される浴水の水温を緩和させることができる。
【００５７】
（第２実施形態）
以上の第１実施形態では、切換手段である切換調整弁１６の流量制御を熱交換器１３側および熱交換器１３を迂回させる側の流量をそれぞれ例えば５０％と固定させたが、これに限らず、熱交換器１３を流通させた高温の浴水と浴槽１内の浴水とを混合させた浴水の水温を検出し、この水温をフィードバックさせてそれぞれに流通させる流量比を可変させて所定温度を超えないように制御装置４０により制御させるようにしても良い。
【００５８】
具体的には、図３に示すように、分岐点１７と吐出口３との間に混合された浴水の水温を検出する水温検出手段である第２温度センサ１９が設けられている。
【００５９】
そして、この第２温度センサ１９の検出信号は制御装置４０に入力されている。
【００６０】
一方の切換手段である切換調整弁１６は、保温運転開始時に第３所定時間ｔ３の間は、第２温度センサ１９により検出された混合後の水温に応じて熱交換器１３側に流通させる流量と熱交換器１３を迂回させる側の流量との流量比が可変させるように制御されるようにしてある。なお、図中の符号は、第１実施形態と構成が同じものは同一の符号を付して説明を省略する。
【００６１】
本実施形態では、所定温度を６０℃として設定し、この所定温度を超えたときには熱交換器１３側に流通させる流量を低下させ、熱交換器１３を迂回させる側の流量を上昇させるように制御させることにより、所定温度を下回る浴水を浴槽１内に流出させることが可能である。
【００６２】
以上の第２実施形態によれば、所定温度として、好ましくは６０℃を超えないように流量制御することにより、例えば、約４０℃の浴槽１内に６０℃を下回る浴水を流出させても吐出口３近傍で緩和されるため、一時的に熱過ぎるなどの不快を招くことはない。
【００６３】
また、第１実施形態よりも本実施形態の方が貯湯槽１１内の給湯水の温度変化があっても一定の所定温度を維持できる。
【００６４】
（第３実施形態）
以上の実施形態では、保温運転開始時に第３所定時間ｔ３の間は、切換調整弁１６を制御させて熱交換器１３を流通させた高温の浴水と浴槽１内の浴水とを混合させて浴槽１内に流出させる保温制御手段について説明したが、浴槽１に流出する浴水の流速を低下させることでも良い。
【００６５】
本実施形態では、因みに所定循環量として、好ましくは８Ｌ／ｍｉｎを超えないように流量制御することにより、例えば浴水の水温が約４０℃の浴槽１内に流出させると８Ｌ／ｍｉｎ相当の流速で流出されても高温（９０℃）の浴水が吐出口３近傍で緩和される。
【００６６】
これにより、切換手段である切換調整弁１６は、浴槽１内の浴水を熱交換器１３を流通させるか、または熱交換器１３を迂回させるかのいずれか一方に流通方向を切り換える周知の三方弁を用いることができる。従って、以上の第１、第２実施形態よりも切換調整弁１６の構造を簡単にすることができるので部品の製造コストが低減できる。
【００６７】
なお、浴槽１内に流出する浴水の流速を低下させる具体例とし、図４（ａ）および図４（ｂ）に示すように、保温運転開始時に第３所定時間ｔ３の間のみ循環ポンプ１４の循環量を低下させると良い。
【００６８】
図４（ａ）は、循環ポンプ１４に印加させる電源を所定時間毎にＯＮ、０ＦＦさせるように作動させて循環量を低下させるか、または、図４（ｂ）に示すように、循環ポンプ１４に印加させる電圧を可変させて循環量を低下させる方法がある。また、図示しないが、循環水回路１２に循環量を調節する流量弁を設けて保温運転開始時に第３所定時間ｔ３の間は、循環量を低下するように制御しても良い。
【００６９】
また、本実施形態では第３所定時間ｔ３の間は循環量を低下するように制御させたが、第２実施形態で設けた第２温度センサ１９により検出された水温に応じて熱交換器１３側に流通させる循環量を制御させて、浴槽１内に流出させる浴水の水温を所定温度（例えば、６０℃）となるように循環量を可変させる制御でも良い。
【００７０】
（第４実施形態）
以上の実施形態では、保温運転開始時に第３所定時間ｔ３の間は、熱交換器１３を流通させた高温の浴水に浴槽１内の浴水を混合させたり、流出される流速を低下させることで浴槽１内に流出する浴水を緩和させたが、これに限らず、保温運転終了時に熱交換器１３内に滞留する浴水を浴槽１内に流出させて、保温運転停止時には、熱交換器１３内に浴水を滞留させないように構成させても良い。
【００７１】
具体的には、図５に示すように、循環水回路１２の熱交換器１３の上流に分岐点２４設け、その分岐点２４と上方に延びる吸気管２６を設け、さらにこの吸気管２６を開閉する開閉手段２５を設ける。また、切換手段である切換調整弁１６は、第３実施形態と同じであって、浴槽１内の浴水を熱交換器１３を流通させるか、または熱交換器１３を迂回させるかのいずれか一方に流通方向を切り換える周知の三方弁を用いることができる。
【００７２】
また、上記開閉手段２５は制御装置４０により制御される。なお、図中の符号において、上述した切換調整弁１６以外の構成部品は、第１実施形態と構成が同じものは同一の符号を付して説明を省略する。
【００７３】
次に、本実施形態の保温運転の作動を図６に示す制御装置４０による制御処理のフローチャートに基づいて説明する。なお、図中の符号について、第１実施形態と同じ制御処理のものは同一の符号を付して説明は省略する。
【００７４】
まず、ステップ２００からステップ２７０までは第１実施形態と同様であって、ステップ２７０で、水温が設定温度に対して未達であれば、次のステップ２８１において、切換調整弁１６を熱交換器１３側に流通させる流通方向に切り換える。
【００７５】
このときには、後で述べるが熱交換器１３内には空気が収容されているため、熱交換器１３に浴槽１内の浴水を流通させることで吐出口３からは空気が流出されるとともに熱交換器１３によって加温された浴水が流出される。これにより、高温の浴水が流出することはない。従って、このときには設定温度に達するまで熱交換器１３に流通させて浴槽１内の浴水を流通させる。
【００７６】
そして、ステップ３２０で設定温度に達すると、次のステップ３２１で、切換調整弁１６を熱交換器１３を迂回させる側に流通する流通方向に切り換えられる。そして、ステップ３２２で開閉手段２５を開弁させ、ステップ３２３で、第４所定時間ｔ４を計測するタイマｔ４をスタートさせる。そして、ステップ３２４で、タイマーｔ４が第４所定時間ｔ４だけタイムアップしたかを判定し、タイムアップしたと判定すれば、ステップ３３０で循環ポンプ１４を停止させ、ステップ３３１で、開閉手段２５を閉弁させる。
【００７７】
これにより、第４所定時間ｔ４の間、開閉手段２５を開弁させて循環ポンプ１４を作動させることで、熱交換器１３内に吸気管２６より空気が流入されて熱交換器１３内の浴水が空となる。従って、次のサイクルのステップ２８１のときに高温の浴水が流出することはない。
【００７８】
以上の実施形態によれば、保温運転させて設定温度に達したときに、開閉手段２５を開弁させて循環ポンプ１４を作動させる制御を行なうことにより、保温運転終了時に熱交換器１３内の浴水を浴槽１内に流出させて、熱交換器１３内を空にしておくため、保温運転開始のときに高温の浴水が流出されることがない。
【００７９】
なお、本実施形態では、吸気管２６に開閉手段２５を用いたが、熱交換器１３内が負圧となったときに開弁する吸気弁を吸気管２６の末端に設けても良い。
【００８０】
（他の実施形態）
以上の実施形態では、温水を加熱する給湯手段をヒートポンプ装置もしくは電気ヒータ等として説明したが、これに限らず、太陽熱、ガス、液体燃料による給湯器や湯沸かし器などに適用される。また、水道水等を導入し、貯湯槽１１内で電気ヒータ等により加熱して高温の湯として蓄えるものであっても良い。
【００８１】
また、以上の実施形態において、各所定時間ｔ１、ｔ２、ｔ３、ｔ４の実数値は例示であって適宜設定し得るものである。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施形態における貯湯式給湯器の浴水保温装置の概略構成を示す模式図である。
【図２】本発明の第１実施形態における制御装置４０の保温制御プログラムの制御処理を示すフローチャートである。
【図３】本発明の第２実施形態における貯湯式給湯器の浴水保温装置の概略構成を示す模式図である。
【図４】本発明の第３実施形態における循環ポンプ１４の（ａ）は、断続動作を示すタイムチャート、（ｂ）は、印加電圧を可変させたときの動作を示すタイムチャートである。
【図５】本発明の第４実施形態における貯湯式給湯器の浴水保温装置の概略構成を示す模式図である。
【図６】本発明の第４実施形態における制御装置４０の保温制御プログラムの制御処理を示すフローチャートである。
【図７】従来技術における貯湯式給湯器の浴水保温装置の概略構成を示す模式図である。
【符号の説明】
１…浴槽
１１…貯湯槽
１２…循環水回路（浴水保温手段）
１３…熱交換器
１４…循環ポンプ
１６…切換調整弁（切換手段）
１９…第２水温センサ（水温検出手段）
２５…開閉手段
４０…制御装置（浴水保温手段）[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention keeps the bath water in a bathtub warm using a heat source in a hot water storage tank for storing hot water.Hot water storage water heater andThe present invention relates to a bath water heat retention device for a hot water storage type water heater, and more particularly to control of a bath water heat retention means for suppressing high temperature bath water from flowing into a bathtub during a heat retention operation.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a bath water heat insulation device of this type of hot water storage type hot water heater, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, a hot water storage tank 110 for storing hot water heated by hot water supply means 100 such as an electric water heater, A heat exchanger 130 for exchanging heat between hot hot water and bath water in the bathtub 120, and a circulation pump 140 for pumping and circulating the bath water from the bathtub 120 to heat the bath water in the bathtub 120. A circulating water circuit 150 or the like that is circulated through the exchanger 130 and returned into the bathtub 120 is formed.
[0003]
Further, a water temperature detecting means (not shown) for detecting the temperature of the bath water in the bathtub 120 is provided, and when the temperature of the bath water in the bathtub 120 is lowered, the circulation pump 140 is operated to The bath water is circulated through the heat exchanger 130 to keep the bath water warm.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the bath water heat retention device of the hot water storage type hot water heater having the above configuration, the bath water staying in the heat exchanger 130 is stored in the hot water tank 100 when the circulation pump 140 is stopped. The bath water has a high temperature (for example, 80 to 90 ° C.) similar to that of hot water.
[0005]
When the circulation pump 140 is operated during the heat insulation operation, a small amount of high-temperature bath water staying in the heat exchanger 130 described above flows into the bathtub 120 for a while immediately after the start of operation. There are times when If the bather is taking a bath at this time, there is a problem of causing discomfort such as temporary overheating due to outflow of hot bath water.
[0006]
  Therefore, the object of the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and by providing a heat retention control means for relaxing the temperature or flow velocity of the bath water flowing into the bathtub during a predetermined time at the start of the heat retention operation, No discomfortHot water storage water heater andAn object of the present invention is to provide a bath water heat insulation device for a hot water storage type water heater.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, claims 1 toClaim 9The technical means described in is adopted. That is, in the invention according to claim 1, the hot water storage tank (11) for storing hot water supply water.When,thisIt is arranged in the hot water tank (11).Heat exchanger (13) and bath water in bathtub (1) are circulated through this heat exchanger (13)MakeBath water insulation means (12)And thisBath water insulation means (12)Detour means connected to the heat exchanger (13),Bath water in bathtub (1) heat exchanger (13)InThe flow rate to circulate andThe bath water in the bathtub (1) is used as a bypass.Variable flow rateDoSwitching means (16);Among the bath water heat retaining means (12), the water temperature detecting means (19) for detecting the temperature of the bath water passing through the downstream side of the connection portion between the downstream portion of the heat exchanger (13) and the detour means, and this Thermal insulation control means (40) for controlling the switching means (16) according to the temperature detected by the water temperature detection means (19),
  The heat retention control means (40)The bath water in the bathtub (1) is mixed with the bath water circulated through the heat exchanger (13) at the start of the heat insulation operation for keeping the bath water warm.MakeIt is characterized by that.
[0008]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the bath water in the heat exchanger (13) is stored when the heat insulation operation is stopped, that is, when the bath water is stagnant in the heat exchanger (13). Heated to the same temperature as the hot water in the tank (11), and during the heat-retaining operation, a small amount of water is discharged into the bathtub (1) as hot bath water of, for example, 80 to 90 ° C. for a while immediately after the start. Is.
[0009]
Therefore, in the present invention, the heat retaining control means for controlling the switching means (16) so that the bath water in the bathtub (1) is mixed with the bath water circulated through the heat exchanger (13) when the heat retaining operation is started. (40), for example, by mixing the bath water in the bathtub (1) at about 40 ° C., the temperature of the bath water flowing into the bathtub (1) is relaxed and the bath water is reduced. Can keep warm. Thereby, there is no inconvenience such as temporary overheating.
[0010]
In the invention according to claim 2, the heat retention control means (40) bypasses the heat exchanger (13) with the flow rate flowing to the heat exchanger (13) side at the start of the heat insulation operation for keeping the bath water warm. The switching means (16) is controlled so as to be equal to or less than a predetermined flow rate smaller than the flow rate on the side.
[0011]
According to invention of Claim 2, since the bath water by the side of detouring a heat exchanger (13) is mixed with the bath water retained in the heat exchanger (13), the heat exchanger (13) By increasing the flow rate on the side of detouring, the temperature of the bath water flowing into the bathtub (1) can be relaxed.
[0012]
  In invention of Claim 3,The heat retention control means (40)The switching means (16) is controlled so that the water temperature detected by the water temperature detection means (19) does not exceed a predetermined temperature.
[0013]
According to invention of Claim 3, the water temperature of the bath water which flows out in the bathtub (1) is detected by the water temperature detection means (19), and the opening degree of the switching means (16) is determined according to the water temperature, for example. By performing feedback control, a predetermined temperature can be maintained. Thereby, the bath water which does not exceed a predetermined temperature can flow out.
[0014]
The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the heat retention control means (40) controls the switching means (16) so that the predetermined temperature does not exceed 60 ° C.
[0015]
According to the invention described in claim 4, if the temperature of the bath water in the bathtub (1) is about 40 ° C., for example, by controlling so as not to exceed 60 ° C. as the predetermined temperature, If it does not exceed 60 ° C., there is no inconvenience such as temporary overheating.
[0016]
  In invention of Claim 5, in the hot water storage tank (11) which stores hot water supply waterAnd disposed in the hot water storage tank (11).Heat exchanger (13)And thisCirculating bath water in bathtub (1) through heat exchanger (13)MakeBath water insulation means (12)And thisBath water insulation means (12)Detour means connected to the heat exchanger (13),Bath water in bathtub (1)ButDistributing heat exchanger (13)Whether the bath water in the bathtub (1) circulates the detour meansSwitching means (16) for switching;Among the bath water heat retaining means (12), the water temperature detecting means (19) for detecting the temperature of the bath water passing through the downstream side of the connection portion between the downstream portion of the heat exchanger (13) and the detour means, and this Thermal insulation control means (40) for controlling the switching means (16) according to the temperature detected by the water temperature detection means (19),
  The heat retention control means (40)At the start of heat insulation operation to keep the bath water warm,Bath waterHeat exchanger (13)Switching means (16)And switching the heat exchanger (13)TheDistributionDoCirculation amountButControl to be below the specified valueThatIt is a feature.
[0017]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, for example, even if the bath water flowing out into the bathtub (1) is at a high temperature, if the flow velocity flowing out from the discharge port in the bathtub (1) is sufficiently low, the outflow port The water temperature is relaxed in the vicinity and the water temperature is not high enough to temporarily become too hot. Therefore, the present invention focuses on reducing the flow velocity, and by controlling the circulation amount for circulating the switching means (16) to the heat exchanger (13) side to be a predetermined value or less, the bathtub ( 1) The temperature of the bath water flowing into the interior can be relaxed, and there is no inconvenience such as temporary overheating.
[0018]
In the invention described in claim 6, the heat retention control means (40) controls the switching means (16) so that the circulation amount to be circulated to the heat exchanger (13) side is a predetermined value and does not exceed 8 L / min. It is characterized by.
[0019]
Specifically, according to the invention described in claim 6, the temperature of the bath water flowing out into the bathtub (1) is moderated by controlling the circulation amount so as not to exceed 8 L / min. Can be made.
[0020]
In the invention described in claim 7, the bath water heat retaining means (12) is provided with a circulation pump (14) for circulating the bath water in the bathtub (1), and the heat retaining control means (40) is a heat exchanger. (13) The circulation pump (14) is controlled so as not to exceed 8 L / min with a circulation amount to be circulated to the side as a predetermined value.
[0021]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, for example, the amount of circulation can be reduced by controlling the voltage applied to the circulation pump (14). Thus, the same effect as that of claim 5 is obtained.
[0022]
In invention of Claim 8, the heat exchanger (13) is arrange | positioned in the hot water storage tank (11) which stores hot water, and the bath water in the bathtub (1) is circulated through the heat exchanger (13). In the bath water heat retention device for a hot water storage water heater provided with a bath water heat retaining means (12) for retaining the bath water,
The bath water heat retaining means (12) is a switching means (16) for switching the flow direction of whether the bath water in the bathtub (1) is passed through the heat exchanger (13) or bypassed the heat exchanger (13). ), Opening / closing means (25) disposed upstream of the heat exchanger (13) and opening to the atmosphere when the pressure in the heat exchanger (13) decreases, and the heat insulation operation for keeping the bath water warm is completed. And a heat retention control means (40) for controlling the switching means (16) to switch the flow direction to the side bypassing the heat exchanger (13) and to open and close the opening / closing means (25). It is characterized by.
[0023]
  According to the invention described in claim 8, the bath water in the heat exchanger (13) is stored in the hot water tank (11) when the circulation pump (14) is stopped, that is, when the bath water is stagnant. It is heated to the same water temperature as the hot water supply. This hot bath water flows out into the bathtub (1) during the heat retention operation. Therefore, in the present invention, when the heat insulation operation is finished, the switching means (16) switches the flow direction to the side bypassing the heat exchanger (13) and controls the opening and closing means (25) to be opened. By having the control means (40), the bath water in the heat exchanger (13) flows out into the bathtub (1) and the heat exchanger (13) is emptied. Sometimes hot bath water does not flow out.
  The invention described in claim 9 is characterized by having a hot water supply passage (20) for discharging hot water from the hot water storage tank (11). According to the present invention, the bath water in the heat exchanger (13) disposed in the hot water storage tank (11) is heated to the same degree as hot hot water when the heat insulation operation is stopped. It is suitable for a bath water heat insulation apparatus using hot water supplied from the hot water supply passage (20) for hot water supply as a heat source.
[0024]
In addition, the code | symbol in the parenthesis attached | subjected to each said means shows the correspondence with the specific means of embodiment description later mentioned.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, the bath water heat retention device of the hot water storage type water heater of the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a bath water heat retention device 10 of a hot water storage type water heater.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 1, the hot water storage device 10 of the hot water storage type hot water heater stores hot water heated by hot water supply means 30 such as a heat pump device or an electric heater (not shown) in the hot water storage tank 11 and stores the hot water. Hot water is mixed with, for example, tap water to make the temperature appropriate, and hot water is supplied to the hot water supply target. Especially, the hot water supplied at the appropriate temperature is filled in the bathtub 1, hot water, hot water, and hot water. The circulating water circuit 12 is provided as a bath water heat retaining means for keeping the bath water in the bathtub 1 filled with hot water using the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 11.
[0027]
The bath water heat retention device 10 of the hot water storage type water heater is disposed at an appropriate outdoor location near the bathroom, and 1 is a bathtub and is installed in the bathroom. In the vicinity of the lower end of the inner wall surface of the bathtub 1, there are provided a suction port 2 for sucking bath water in the bathtub 1 and a discharge port 3 for discharging hot water into the bathtub 1. Reference numeral 12 denotes a circulating water circuit, both ends of which are connected to the suction port 2 and the discharge port 3, and are provided so that the bath water in the bathtub 1 can be circulated outside the bathtub 1.
[0028]
The circulating water circuit 12 has a heat exchanger 13 disposed in the hot water tank 11. The heat exchanger 13 heats the bath water by circulating the bath water in the bathtub 1 using hot water in the hot water tank 11 as a heat source.
[0029]
And by operating the circulation pump 14 provided in the circulating water circuit 12, the bath water in the bathtub 1 is circulated to the heat exchanger 13 and the heated bath water is returned from the discharge port 3 into the bathtub 1. It is. The circulation pump 14 uses an electric pump of a type that pumps bath water by rotating an impeller in a housing.
[0030]
A first water temperature sensor 15 for detecting the temperature of the bath water flowing through the circulating water circuit 12 is provided downstream of the suction port 2.
[0031]
The circulating water circuit 12 is a switching means for switching by changing the flow rate of circulating the bath water in the bathtub 1 to the heat exchanger 13 side and the flow rate of circulating the heat water to the side of bypassing the heat exchanger 13. A switching adjustment valve 16 is provided on the upstream side of the heat exchanger 13.
[0032]
This switching adjustment valve 16 is a three-way valve, and the inflow side is connected to the downstream side of the circulation pump 14 so that the bath water in the bathtub 1 is introduced by the circulation pump 14. One of the outflow side is connected upstream of the heat exchanger 13, and the other of the outflow side is connected to a branch point 17 downstream of the heat exchanger 13 that bypasses the heat exchanger 13.
[0033]
Here, the switching control valve 16 of the present embodiment varies the flow rate for flowing the bath water flowing in from the inflow side to the heat exchanger 13 side and the flow rate for flowing the heat exchanger 13 to the bypass side. The flow rate is controlled. Here, the flow rate that flows to the heat exchanger 13 side is 100% (in this case, the flow rate that bypasses the heat exchanger 13 is 0%), and conversely, the flow rate that bypasses the heat exchanger 13 is 100% ( At this time, the flow rate to be circulated to the heat exchanger 13 side is 0%, and the flow rate to be circulated to the heat exchanger 13 side is 50% (at this time, the flow rate to bypass the heat exchanger 13 is 50%). ) To choose one.
[0034]
In this flow rate control, it is the maximum to heat the bath water when the entire flow rate is made to flow through the heat exchanger 13, and heat exchange is performed when the heat exchanger 13 side and the side that bypasses the heat exchanger 13 are halfway. The bath water heated by the vessel 13 is mixed with the bath water in the bathtub 1 to relax the temperature of the hot bath water. Therefore, the temperature of the bath water flowing out from the heat exchanger 13 can be further relaxed by making the flow rate that flows through the heat exchanger 13 smaller than the flow rate that bypasses the heat exchanger 13.
[0035]
Moreover, when the side which bypasses the heat exchanger 13 is a full flow rate, it is controlled when the bath water in the bathtub 1 is agitated by circulating the bath water in the bathtub 1 to detect the bath water temperature.
[0036]
The switching adjustment valve 16 and the circulation pump 14 are electrically connected to and controlled by a control device 40 (described later) having a bath water heat retention control program that is a heat retention control means. Further, the control device 40 receives a detection signal detected by the first water temperature sensor 15 and an operation signal of an operation switch (not shown) for automatically keeping warm, based on the detection signal and the operation signal. The switching adjustment valve 16 and the circulation pump 14 are controlled to perform the heat retaining operation.
[0037]
Further, a branch point 18 formed between the switching adjustment valve 16 of the circulating water circuit 12 and the circulation pump 14 is connected to a hot water supply passage 20 having an upstream end connected to the hot water storage tank 11, and into the bathtub 1. Hot water filling, hot water supply, hot water and hot water for hot water supply are supplied from the branch point 18.
[0038]
In the hot water supply passage 20, there are provided a hot water mixing valve 21 which is hot water mixing means and an on-off valve 22 which opens and closes the hot water supply passage 20. One side of the hot water mixing valve 21 is connected to a hot water supply pipe 23 to which tap water is supplied, and the other side is connected to the hot hot water supply side in the hot water storage tank 11, so that the temperature of the tap water and the hot water temperature are as follows. By adjusting the opening area ratio based on the information, the temperature of the hot water supply passage 20 was adjusted by adjusting the mixing ratio of the hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 11 and the tap water introduced from the water supply pipe 23. Hot water is distributed.
[0039]
The hot water mixing valve 21 and the on-off valve 22 are controlled by the control device 40. The opening / closing valve 22 is controlled by the control device 40 in accordance with an operation signal of an operation switch (not shown), for example, when hot water is filled, hot water, hot water, or hot water, and hot water is introduced into the bathtub 1. Is done. At this time, the switching adjustment valve 16 is switched to the flow direction bypassing the heat exchanger 13 and the hot water is introduced into the bathtub 1 from the discharge port 3.
[0040]
Here, the hot water storage tank 11 stores hot hot water supplied from the hot water supply means 30, but tap water is introduced from the water supply pipe 23 and heated in the hot water storage tank 11 by an electric heater or the like. Then, it may be stored as hot hot water.
[0041]
In addition, here, the flow rate control of the switching adjustment valve 16 is selected from 100%, 50%, and 0% for the flow rate to flow through the heat exchanger 13, but the actual value of 50% is an example. The temperature is appropriately set according to the temperature of hot hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 11.
[0042]
Next, the operation of the bath water heat retaining means having the above configuration will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.
[0043]
First, in order to control the temperature of the bath water in the bathtub 1, an automatic hot water filling switch (not shown) is operated to control the hot water / water mixing valve 21 and the on-off valve 22, and the temperature is adjusted from the hot water supply passage 20 to the set temperature. The hot water supplied is introduced into the bathtub 1 and bath water of a predetermined water level or higher is filled in the bathtub 1, and at this time, an operation switch (not shown) for performing an automatic heat insulation operation. Z) is turned on, an operation signal for the automatic heat insulation operation is input to the control device 40.
[0044]
Thereby, in step 200, the automatic heat insulation operation is started. In step 210, a timer t1 for measuring a first predetermined time t1 (for example, 10 minutes) is started. Then, in step 220, it is determined whether the timer t1 has expired for the first predetermined time t1, and if it is determined that the time has expired, in step 230, the switching adjustment valve 16 is all set to the side bypassing the heat exchanger 13. The flow direction is switched to the distribution direction. If it is determined NO in step 220, the time measurement is continued until the time is up. The first predetermined time t1 is an interval time for detecting the temperature of the bath water when the heat insulation operation is being executed.
[0045]
In step 240, the circulation pump 14 is operated. Thereby, the bath water in the bathtub 1 is distribute | circulated by the distribution channel | path which bypasses the heat exchanger 13, and the bath water in the bathtub 1 is stirred.
[0046]
Next, in step 250, a timer t2 for measuring a second predetermined time t2 (for example, 2 minutes) is started. Then, in step 260, it is determined whether the timer t2 has expired for the second predetermined time t2, and if it is determined that the time has expired, in step 270, the water temperature detected by the first water temperature sensor 15 (here, the water temperature) It is determined whether or not (T1 + 1 ° C.) has not reached the set temperature.
[0047]
If the set temperature has been reached, it is not necessary to continue the heat-retaining operation, so the routine proceeds to step 330 and the circulation pump 14 is stopped. On the other hand, if the water temperature does not reach the set temperature, in the next step 280, the flow rate at which the switching adjustment valve 16 is circulated to the heat exchanger 13 side is 50% (at this time, the heat exchanger 13 is bypassed). The flow is changed to 50%).
[0048]
As a result, the temperature of the bath water staying in the heat exchanger 13 is a hot bath water of approximately the same level as the hot water (80 to 90 ° C.) in the hot water storage tank 11. By mixing the bath water in the bathtub 1 at about 40 ° C. with the water, the bath water flowing out from the discharge port 3 is lowered to 60 ° C. or less.
[0049]
Moreover, since the above-mentioned high temperature bath water is only the quantity accommodated in the heat exchanger 13 arrange | positioned in the hot water storage tank 11, it will be sent out in the bathtub 1 in a short time. Therefore, in the present invention, this delivery time is set as the third predetermined time t3 (for example, 1 minute), and in the next step 290, the timer t3 for measuring the third predetermined time t3 (for example, 1 minute) is set. Start it.
[0050]
Here, in order to send out the hot bath water stored in the heat exchanger 13 into the bathtub 1, a third predetermined time t3 is provided, and the operation of step 280 is continued during the third predetermined time t3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a temperature sensor that detects the bath water temperature may be provided on the outlet side of the heat exchanger 13, and the operation of step 280 may be continued until the outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger 13 reaches a predetermined temperature. good.
[0051]
In step 300, it is determined whether the timer t3 has expired for the third predetermined time t3. If it is determined that the timer has expired, in step 310, the switching regulator valve 16 is circulated to the heat exchanger 13 side with the entire flow rate. Switch so that
[0052]
Thereby, the bath water in the bathtub 1 is distribute | circulated to the heat exchanger 13, and is heated. Then, in the next step 320, it is determined whether or not the water temperature T1 has exceeded the set temperature, and if it exceeds the set temperature, the circulation pump 14 is stopped (step 330).
[0053]
According to the bath water heat retention device of the hot water storage type water heater of the first embodiment described above, the bath water in the heat exchanger 13 is stopped when the heat retention operation is stopped, that is, the bath water stays in the heat exchanger 13. When hot water is heated to the same temperature as the hot water in the hot water storage tank 11 and the warming operation is performed, the bath 1 has a hot bath water of, for example, 80 to 90 ° C. for a while immediately after the start of the warming operation. A small amount is spilled.
[0054]
Therefore, in the present invention, the control device 40 that controls the switching adjustment valve 16 so as to mix the bath water in the bathtub 1 with the bath water circulated through the heat exchanger 13 for the third predetermined time t3. Thus, for example, by mixing the bath water in the bathtub 1 around 40 ° C. with the hot bath water in the heat exchanger 13, the temperature of the bath water flowing into the bathtub 1 can be relaxed. Thereby, discomfort such as temporary overheating due to the bath water flowing out from the discharge port is not caused.
[0055]
In addition, since the bath water on the side bypassing the heat exchanger 13 is mixed with the bath water retained in the heat exchanger 13, the flow rate on the side bypassing the heat exchanger 13 can be increased so that the bathtub 1 The temperature of the bath water flowing into the inside can be relaxed.
[0056]
Further, the flow rate on the side bypassing the heat exchanger 13 is set to a flow rate exceeding 50%, for example, by controlling the opening degree of the switching control valve 16 so that the predetermined flow rate flowing through the heat exchanger 13 does not exceed 50%. By doing, the water temperature of the bath water which flows out in the bathtub 1 can be relieved.
[0057]
(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, the flow rate control of the switching adjustment valve 16 that is the switching means is fixed at 50%, for example, at the heat exchanger 13 side and the side that bypasses the heat exchanger 13, but this is not limitative. First, the temperature of the bath water in which the hot bath water that has been circulated through the heat exchanger 13 and the bath water in the bathtub 1 is mixed is detected, and the flow rate is circulated by feeding back this water temperature. You may make it control by the control apparatus 40 so that predetermined temperature may not be exceeded.
[0058]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, a second temperature sensor 19 is provided as a water temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the bath water mixed between the branch point 17 and the discharge port 3.
[0059]
The detection signal of the second temperature sensor 19 is input to the control device 40.
[0060]
The switching adjustment valve 16 serving as one of the switching means flows at the heat exchanger 13 side according to the water temperature after mixing detected by the second temperature sensor 19 during the third predetermined time t3 at the start of the heat insulation operation. And the flow rate ratio between the flow rate on the side of bypassing the heat exchanger 13 is controlled to be variable. In addition, the code | symbol in a figure attaches | subjects the same code | symbol as what is the same structure as 1st Embodiment, and abbreviate | omits description.
[0061]
In the present embodiment, the predetermined temperature is set to 60 ° C., and when the predetermined temperature is exceeded, the flow rate that flows to the heat exchanger 13 side is decreased, and the flow rate on the side that bypasses the heat exchanger 13 is increased. By doing so, it is possible to cause the bath water below the predetermined temperature to flow into the bathtub 1.
[0062]
According to the second embodiment described above, by controlling the flow rate so as not to exceed 60 ° C. as the predetermined temperature, for example, even if bath water lower than 60 ° C. flows out into the bathtub 1 at about 40 ° C. Since it is relaxed in the vicinity of the discharge port 3, there is no inconvenience such as temporary overheating.
[0063]
In addition, the present embodiment can maintain a constant predetermined temperature even when there is a change in the temperature of hot water in the hot water storage tank 11 in the present embodiment than in the first embodiment.
[0064]
(Third embodiment)
In the above embodiment, during the third predetermined time t3 at the start of the heat insulation operation, the high-temperature bath water in which the heat exchanger 13 is circulated by controlling the switching adjustment valve 16 and the bath water in the bathtub 1 are mixed. Although the heat insulation control means for flowing into the bathtub 1 has been described, the flow rate of the bath water flowing into the bathtub 1 may be reduced.
[0065]
In the present embodiment, for example, by controlling the flow rate so that the predetermined circulation amount does not exceed 8 L / min, for example, when the water temperature of the bath water flows out into the bathtub 1 having a temperature of about 40 ° C., a flow rate corresponding to 8 L / min. The bath water at a high temperature (90 ° C.) is relieved in the vicinity of the discharge port 3 even if it is discharged in the vicinity.
[0066]
Thereby, the switching control valve 16 which is a switching means is a well-known three-way switching of the flow direction to either one of circulating the bath water in the bathtub 1 through the heat exchanger 13 or bypassing the heat exchanger 13. A valve can be used. Therefore, since the structure of the switching adjustment valve 16 can be simplified as compared with the first and second embodiments described above, the manufacturing cost of parts can be reduced.
[0067]
As a specific example of reducing the flow rate of the bath water flowing into the bathtub 1, as shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), the circulation pump 14 only during the third predetermined time t3 at the start of the heat insulation operation. It is good to reduce the amount of circulation.
[0068]
In FIG. 4A, the power to be applied to the circulation pump 14 is turned on and turned off every predetermined time to reduce the circulation amount, or as shown in FIG. 4B, the circulation pump 14 There is a method in which the amount of circulation is reduced by varying the voltage applied to the. Although not shown, a flow valve for adjusting the circulation rate may be provided in the circulating water circuit 12 so that the circulation rate may be controlled to decrease during the third predetermined time t3 at the start of the heat insulation operation.
[0069]
In the present embodiment, the amount of circulation is controlled to decrease during the third predetermined time t3. However, the heat exchanger 13 is changed according to the water temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 19 provided in the second embodiment. It is also possible to control the circulation amount to flow to the side and vary the circulation amount so that the temperature of the bath water flowing out into the bathtub 1 becomes a predetermined temperature (for example, 60 ° C.).
[0070]
(Fourth embodiment)
In the above embodiment, during the third predetermined time t3 at the start of the heat insulation operation, the bath water in the bathtub 1 is mixed with the high-temperature bath water through which the heat exchanger 13 has been circulated, or the flow velocity that is discharged is reduced. Although the bath water flowing out into the bathtub 1 is relaxed, the bath water staying in the heat exchanger 13 at the end of the heat insulation operation is discharged into the bathtub 1 at the end of the heat insulation operation, and when the heat insulation operation is stopped, You may make it comprise so that bath water may not remain in the exchanger 13. FIG.
[0071]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a branch point 24 is provided upstream of the heat exchanger 13 of the circulating water circuit 12, an intake pipe 26 extending upward from the branch point 24 is provided, and the intake pipe 26 is opened and closed. An opening / closing means 25 is provided. Moreover, the switching adjustment valve 16 which is a switching means is the same as that of 3rd Embodiment, Comprising: Either the heat exchanger 13 distribute | circulates the bath water in the bathtub 1, or the heat exchanger 13 is bypassed. On the other hand, a known three-way valve that switches the flow direction can be used.
[0072]
The opening / closing means 25 is controlled by the control device 40. In addition, in the code | symbol in a figure, components other than the switching control valve 16 mentioned above attach the same code | symbol to the thing same as 1st Embodiment, and abbreviate | omit description.
[0073]
Next, the operation of the heat insulation operation of the present embodiment will be described based on a flowchart of control processing by the control device 40 shown in FIG. In addition, about the code | symbol in a figure, the thing of the same control processing as 1st Embodiment attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description.
[0074]
First, Step 200 to Step 270 are the same as those in the first embodiment. If the water temperature does not reach the set temperature in Step 270, the switching adjustment valve 16 is set to the heat exchanger in the next Step 281. Switch to the distribution direction for distribution to the 13th side.
[0075]
At this time, as will be described later, since air is accommodated in the heat exchanger 13, air flows out from the discharge port 3 and heat is generated by circulating the bath water in the bathtub 1 through the heat exchanger 13. The bath water heated by the exchanger 13 is discharged. Thereby, hot bath water does not flow out. Accordingly, at this time, the bath water in the bathtub 1 is circulated through the heat exchanger 13 until the set temperature is reached.
[0076]
Then, when the set temperature is reached in step 320, in the next step 321, the switching adjustment valve 16 is switched to the flow direction that circulates to the side that bypasses the heat exchanger 13. In step 322, the opening / closing means 25 is opened, and in step 323, a timer t4 for measuring the fourth predetermined time t4 is started. In step 324, it is determined whether the timer t4 has expired for the fourth predetermined time t4. If it is determined that the timer has expired, the circulation pump 14 is stopped in step 330, and the opening / closing means 25 is closed in step 331. Let me speak.
[0077]
Thus, during the fourth predetermined time t4, the opening / closing means 25 is opened and the circulation pump 14 is operated, so that air flows into the heat exchanger 13 from the intake pipe 26 and the bath in the heat exchanger 13 is moved. Water becomes empty. Therefore, hot bath water does not flow out at the time of step 281 of the next cycle.
[0078]
According to the above embodiment, when the heat retention operation is performed and the set temperature is reached, the control of opening the opening / closing means 25 and operating the circulation pump 14 is performed, whereby the heat exchanger 13 in the heat exchanger 13 is terminated. Since the bath water is caused to flow into the bathtub 1 and the heat exchanger 13 is emptied, hot bath water will not flow out at the start of the heat insulation operation.
[0079]
In this embodiment, the opening / closing means 25 is used for the intake pipe 26. However, an intake valve that opens when the inside of the heat exchanger 13 becomes negative pressure may be provided at the end of the intake pipe 26.
[0080]
(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the hot water supply means for heating the hot water has been described as a heat pump device or an electric heater, but the present invention is not limited to this, and is applied to a hot water heater or a water heater using solar heat, gas, or liquid fuel. Moreover, tap water etc. may be introduce | transduced and it heats with the electric heater etc. in the hot water storage tank 11, and may be stored as high temperature hot water.
[0081]
Moreover, in the above embodiment, the real value of each predetermined time t1, t2, t3, t4 is an illustration and can be set suitably.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a bath water heat retention device of a hot water storage type water heater in a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control process of a heat retention control program of the control device 40 in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a bath water heat retention device of a hot water storage type water heater in a second embodiment of the present invention.
4A is a time chart showing an intermittent operation of the circulation pump 14 in the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a time chart showing an operation when an applied voltage is varied.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a bath water heat retention device of a hot water storage type water heater in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control process of a heat retention control program of the control device 40 in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a bath water heat retention device of a hot water storage type hot water heater in the prior art.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... bathtub
11 ... Hot water storage tank
12 ... Circulating water circuit (bath water insulation means)
13 ... Heat exchanger
14 ... circulation pump
16 ... Switching adjustment valve (switching means)
19 ... 2nd water temperature sensor (water temperature detection means)
25. Opening and closing means
40 ... Control device (bath water heat retaining means)

Claims

A hot water tank (11) for storing hot water ,
Heat exchanger disposed in the hot water storage tank (11) and (13),
It said heat exchanger and tub (13) (1) circulating causes the bath water insulation means the bath water in (12),
A detour means connected to the bath water heat retaining means (12 ) and detouring the heat exchanger (13);
A switching means (16) for varying a flow rate for flowing the bath water in the bathtub (1) to the heat exchanger (13) and a flow rate for flowing the bath water in the bathtub (1) to the bypass means ; ,
Water temperature detecting means (19) for detecting the temperature of the bath water passing through the downstream side of the connecting portion between the downstream portion of the heat exchanger (13) and the detour means among the bath water heat retaining means (12). When,
Thermal insulation control means (40) for controlling the switching means (16) according to the temperature detected by the water temperature detection means (19),
Heat retaining control means (40), when the maintenance operation start of incubation bath water, characterized in that makes mixing bath water in the bathtub (1) in the bath water was passed through the heat exchanger (13) Hot water storage water heater .

The heat retention control means (40) has a smaller flow rate flowing to the heat exchanger (13) side than a flow rate on the side bypassing the heat exchanger (13) at the start of the heat insulation operation for keeping the bath water warm. The hot water storage type hot water heater according to claim 1, wherein the switching means (16) is controlled so as to become.

The hot water storage device according to claim 1, wherein the heat retention control means (40) controls the switching means (16) so that the water temperature detected by the water temperature detection means (19) does not exceed a predetermined temperature. Type water heater.

The hot water storage type water heater according to claim 3, wherein the heat retaining control means (40) controls the switching means (16) so as not to exceed 60 ° C as a predetermined temperature.

A hot water tank (11) for storing hot water ,
Heat exchanger disposed in the hot water storage tank (11) and (13),
It said heat exchanger and tub (13) (1) circulating causes the bath water insulation means the bath water in (12),
A detour means connected to the bath water heat retaining means (12 ) and detouring the heat exchanger (13);
Or bath water in the bathtub (1) in flows the heat exchanger (13), switching means for the bath water in the bathtub (1) in the switched or flowing through the bypass means (16),
Water temperature detecting means (19) for detecting the temperature of the bath water passing through the downstream side of the connecting portion between the downstream portion of the heat exchanger (13) and the detour means among the bath water heat retaining means (12). When,
Thermal insulation control means (40) for controlling the switching means (16) according to the temperature detected by the water temperature detection means (19),
The heat retention control means (40) switches the switching means (16) so that the bath water flows through the heat exchanger (13) at the start of a heat insulation operation for keeping the bath water warm, and the heat exchanger hot water storage type water heater circulation rate of circulation and controls to be equal to or less than a predetermined value (13).

The said heat retention control means (40) controls the said switching means (16) so that the circulation amount distribute | circulated to the said heat exchanger (13) side is predetermined value, and does not exceed 8L / min. 5. A hot-water storage water heater according to 5 .

The bath water heat retaining means (12) is provided with a circulation pump (14) for circulating the bath water in the bathtub (1).
The said heat retention control means (40) controls the said circulation pump (14) so that it may not exceed 8 L / min by making the circulation amount distribute | circulated to the said heat exchanger (13) side into a predetermined value. 5. A hot-water storage water heater according to 5 .

A heat exchanger (13) is arranged in a hot water storage tank (11) for storing hot water, and the bath water is kept warm by circulating the bath water in the bathtub (1) through the heat exchanger (13). In the hot water storage device for a hot water storage water heater provided with means (12),
The bath water heat retaining means (12) switches the flow direction of whether the bath water in the bathtub (1) flows through the heat exchanger (13) or bypasses the heat exchanger (13). Switching means (16);
An opening / closing means (25) disposed upstream of the heat exchanger (13) and opening to the atmosphere when the pressure in the heat exchanger (13) decreases;
When the heat insulation operation for keeping the bath water is completed, the switching means (16) is switched to the side bypassing the heat exchanger (13) and the opening / closing means (25) is opened. A hot water storage device for a hot water storage type hot water heater, comprising:

The hot water storage type water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a hot water supply passage (20) for discharging hot water from the hot water storage tank (11).